Commenting on today’s criminal court statistics, Tom Franklin, Chief Executive of the Magistrates’ Association said:
“Today’s criminal court statistics paint a depressing picture of increasing backlogs in the criminal courts, with the crown court backlog at a record 78,329 cases, and the magistrates’ court backlog standing at 361,027 – also a record.
“We’ve called repeatedly for extra investment in the criminal justice system – to better resource the probation service, to recruit and retain the legal advisors who are essential for magistrates to do their work, to repair and maintain our crumbling courts, and to recruit more magistrates to sit in court. While extra funding is starting to come into the justice system, we want to see a long-term increase in funding year-on-year.
“Although the case backlog is bigger, cases are resolved far more quickly in the magistrates’ courts, and anything that can be done to alleviate pressure on the crown courts is welcome. We’ve called for reform to the system, and welcome the proposals to introduce a new type of court composed of a judge and two magistrates, to help alleviate the crown court backlog.”
If you’re a journalist with an interest in this story and would like to speak to us, please contact us at our press office.
